Beauty in Brussels

Spring rains bring spring flowers! To whet your gardening appetite, take a peek at this incredible display created by Brussels’ talented florists/gardeners last year!

“The flower carpet designed by floral architect Mark Schautteet is inspired by the tapestry of the French Savonnerie, which dates from the 17th century. 700,000 begonias form a colourful motif on which appears the patron saint Saint-Michel and the iris of the Brussels Region.” Picture by “The News in Pictures,” posted on August 15, 2008.

Me? I’m off in search of begonias…

Night at the Opera

This assemblage was inspired by a 1927 brass theatre ticket which belonged to my grandmother, Virginia. I often imagined this performance… everyone dressed in their Art Deco finery, filled with anticipation as the orchestra began to play.

Again using my favorite portrait of my grandmother as the focal point, this assemblage pays tribute to those elegant evenings of long ago. Embellishments include: antique copper beaded embroidery trim, vintage glass button and cabochons, vintage horsehair veiling, antique ribbon cockade, vintage millinery feathers, velvet millinery leaves, netting, contemporary embroidered flower ornament, and silk fabric. Hand-marbled background paper by Iris Nevins.

Lunch Ladies' Road Trip

Mom, Grace, Miki and I had the opportunity last weekend to make the trek to Port Townsend to join Linda (lucky attendee!) for ArtFest vendor night! After a lovely visit to Grace’s home to view her fabulous Watercolors, we stopped at Wynwood Gallery – Port Townsend’s ultimate playground for mixed media and fiber artists. Wynwood’s owner, Lois, offers an impressive array of shelves, walls, trays and cabinets, all filled to overflowing with unique beads and charms, designer yarns and wool roving, and my personal favorite -sumptuous, embroidered and beaded trimmings.

After priming our artistic senses with our time at Wynwood, we fueled up at Shanghai restaurant, then headed on over to ArtFest vendor night at Fort Worden. Without having any photos, the flurry of activity at vendor night is a bit difficult to describe. ArtFest boasts an incredible line-up of instructors each year, many of who participate in this event. Seeing these much-admired artists (such as Nina Bagley, Michael deMeng, Keith LoBue, Linda and Opie O’Brien, Laurie Mika) and their work in an “up close and personal” atmosphere is an inspiring experience. The “high energy level” in the Pavillion exuding from hundreds of students / admirers during the height of this creative retreat is both exhilarating and indescribable. Fun times were definitely had by all!